Nov 16, 2010

Day old whole wheat French bread, bacon, onion, celery, sage and parsley are combined then baked to make a place at your Thanksgiving table.

My mom always makes Thanksgiving dinner, she loves cooking and entertaining and wouldn't have it any other way. We all help out by bringing a side dish, appetizers, and dessert so she's not doing all the work, and this way we get to enjoy our time together because isn't that what it's all about?

Although we all bring sides, my Mom always makes the stuffing. I've taken my Mom's recipe and lightened it up for all to enjoy. For more people double this recipe, Mom always stuffs the turkey with one batch, and makes another batch in a casserole dish served on the side.

It's best to cut the bread and let it sit out overnight to get hard, but if your pressed for time you can put it in the oven at 250°F for about 30 minutes, stirring half way until the bread is completely firm.

If your bread is fresh, preheat the oven and bake the bread cubes on 2 baking sheets at 250°F for about 30 minutes, stirring half way until the bread is completely firm.

Increase the oven to 350°F.

In a large saute pan over medium heat cook bacon for about 2 minutes. Add butter; when melted add onions, celery, parsley, sage, salt and pepper and saute on medium low until soft, about 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool a few minutes.

In a medium bowl, combine chicken broth and egg.

In a large bowl add bread and combine with sauteed vegetables. Add chicken broth and egg mixture and combine well. If stuffing is too dry, add a little water until you have the right consistency.

Spray a casserole with baking spray, add stuffing and bake uncovered 40 to 45 minutes, or until golden.

48 comments
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Yummm Gina! I am a HUGE fan of stuffing. Any way, shape, or form. I've actually never had it with bacon, can you believe it?! I love that you slimmed down your Mom's recipe. We go to my Aunt's every year and she is an amazing cook!

Looks delicious!! Does this recipe freeze well? We are spending Thanksgiving at the in-laws out of state this year and I want to bring a WW friendly dish. Can I make it the day before and freeze it so it stays fresh for the drive? And then just pop it in the oven before serving? What do you think?

Looks wonderful! I am cooking Thanksgiving at my house this year. I am looking forward to using some of your recipes. Your site is AMAZING! You have helped me stay on track. I have been on WW 10 weeks and I have lost 17.6 pounds. My family loves the food I have been making. Thank you soooo much for doing what you do.

I used this recipe for Thanksgiving today, and it was delicious!!! Instead of adding the fresh herbs & pepper to the veggies, I just added poultry seasoning to the bread (to make it a little closer to my regular recipe). Baked half of the stuffing in the bird, then removed it during the final 45 minutes of cooking, combined it with the rest of the stuffing in the fridge, and baked it all together. It was great and I didn't miss the butter at ALL!!! Never used french bread for the stuffing before - I don't think I'll use anything else from here on out! Thanks for a WINNER!

Gina I made this one today too and it was awesome too! Everyone loved both this one and the Chicken Sausage and Herb Stuffing! Your recipes are soooo good and easy. Thano you for doing what you do and doing it so well!

OH MY GOODNESS this was delicious! I made this for Thanksgiving this year (first time making homemade stuffing) and everyone couldn't stop talking about how good it was. The word "ambrosia" was definitely used ;-) Thank you!

Hi all :) I've been looking everywhere for a good stuffing recipe. We have many health restrictions in our family. I have one question about the egg. Would it work as well with an egg beater or egg white (we have to accommodate for all of our family - very low sodium, cholestorol, and fat). I'm also wondering if turkey bacon would work as well. Thank you for your wonderful recipes. It has literally saved my husband and F-I-Ls lives so we can enjoy many more Holidays together :)

I'm not a huge fan of stuffing but I absolutely loved this! Not only is it delicious but I love that it's a "light" version. Every recipe that I've tried has been awesome. Thank you for all your hard work!